One Day Close to the Dam

Estimated reading time: 1 min.

Karina Jozami Jorge González

Ideal to spend a day outdoors, the Arroyito Dam displays a singular picture created by nature and by human intelligence.

The dams and dikes built on the Limay River have modified the arid landscape of the steppe changing its shape and color. An instance of this is the Arroyito Dam, which carries bluish green waters and lodges leafy vegetation and varied bird species: everything necessary to become one of the most attractive spots in the area.

To reach this place, travel around 29 kilometers along Route 22 in the direction of the capital of Neuquén, where the indicated detour is located.

The vibrant turquoise of the lagoon formed when the arid materials were extracted to build the dam makes contrast with the green of the trees. Biodiversity is represented by a considerable number of ducks, thrushes, mockingbirds, swallows, seagulls, egrets, cormorants, black-necked swans and avutardas which dwell in the surroundings and are object of bird-watching tours and photographic safaris.

The campsite lies in the right place, on the banks of a beautiful creek sheltered by the willows and the poplars, which provide shade and protection. The mild scenery and the infrastructure of the place invite visitors to spend the day, enjoy a picnic or a delicious asado and then relax. The proposal is completed with a visit to the Arroyito hydro-electric dam, which features a 39-square-kilometers reservoir. The view is very pretty and it lets visitors appreciate the significance of this engineering work for the entire area.

All this tour may also be enjoyed in an amusing and challenging mountain bike circuit which may be scheduled from the city or other spots such as Cipolletti or Neuquén.